Moving Files In Linux - page 3

The Low Security Family

May 22, 2003

By
Dee-Ann LeBlanc

rcp is a member of the old "r" (remote) command family, which includes
both rlogin and rsh. Generally speaking, it's best to avoid this group
of programs like the potential security plague they are. To use any of
the "r" tools, you set up a file containing a list of machines and users
who can access this machine without having to log in. There's no
security implemented, no tunneling to hide data passing, no passwords
needed to use it.

The biggest problem with this collection of tools, and the reason I'm
not going to cover how to use it, is that once someone breaks into a
single account set up to use the "r" tools, they've just gained access
to accounts and machines that this account can get to without needing
passwords. This is a great way to give an intruder access all over your
network. Please don't.